Whole Foods Market’s top food trend predictions for 2026 revolve around a return to “ancestral” ingredients, a fiber boom, elevated convenience, and a celebration of women farmers—all designed to fit the shifting demands of health-conscious and innovative eaters.
For those not familiar, the annual report is compiled by the “Whole Foods Market Trends Council” – a collective of Whole Foods Market team members ranging from foragers and buyers to culinary expert. The Council develop these trend predictions each year through a combination of deep industry experience, keen observation of consumer preferences, and collaborative sessions with emerging and established brands. You can find the full report HERE.
Beef Tallow: Beef tallow is set to make a major comeback, replacing seed oils in everything from fries to pastries. Whole Foods says home cooks and chefs are embracing “old school” fats prized for their high smoke point and rich flavor, and anticipates this traditional fat will appear not only in cooking oils but also in snack foods and home goods. Beef tallow is fat rendered from cattle, meaning it’s created by slowly melting the fat. It’s a solid at room temperature but turns into an oily liquid when heated, with a high smoke point that makes it suitable for high-heat cooking like frying and searing. Beef tallow was first used in food and as fuel for lighting in ancient times. It was commonly used in fast food until the late 20th century, when concerns over the heart health impact of saturated fats shifted chains like McDonald’s toward vegetable oils.
Fiber: The obsession with protein is not showing any signs of fading. However, a new found love of fiber is still bubbling up as brands highlight gut health, holistic digestive wellness, and satiety. Expect to see fiber-forward packaging across categories—crackers, bars, breads, and prebiotic drinks—along with more unusual ingredients like chicory, konjac, and cassava. Old-school pantry staple oats are also expected to be a new star among up-and-coming products. Interestingly, oats made history when they became the first food with a Food and Drug Administration health claim label in 1997. This claim was related to heart health and showed that intake of whole oat products decreased blood cholesterol levels. Oats contain a type of soluble fiber called beta-glucan, which lowers blood glucose and cholesterol levels and reduces the risk of heart disease and diabetes. Beta-glucan also promotes healthy gut bacteria and intestinal health.
Fancy Frozen Foods: Whole Foods says convenience will get a gourmet twist as premium frozen meals inspired by restaurant cuisine become staples for busy shoppers and foodies who want global flavors and high-quality ingredients without compromising on time or budget. From arancini and pupusas to chef-inspired ready-to-eat bowls, elevated frozen options will be more widely available in 2026.
Female Farmers: Whole Foods plans to feature products from female farmers and spotlight women-led agricultural initiatives next year in recognition of “International Year of the Woman Farmer.” The initiative was declared by the United Nations in order to recognize women’s crucial role in agriculture and address the challenges they face.
Couture Packaging: Pantry essentials will get a style upgrade as “dopamine décor”—bright, stylish packaging—transforms grocery staples into visually appealing items worthy of kitchen display. The look and feel of products will matter as much as their taste and nutrition, reflecting shoppers’ desire for functional, beautiful everyday goods. According the Whole Foods, the trend is an extension of “little luxuries,” aka affordable splurge purchases that people buy as a pick-me-up. Amid factors including inflation and a slowing job market, economists are predicting global consumers overall will move away from more high-priced purchases, like electronics, and focus instead on smaller, less expensive treats.
Natural Sweeteners: Expect a movement toward “thoughtfully sweet” products, where brands will ditch synthetic sweeteners in favor real can sugar or other natural sweeteners like fruit, honey, and maple syrup. This follows the clean eating trend and appealing to so-called “mindful” eaters. Whole Foods is already seeing the trend play out with things like jam and gummy products leaner heavier on fruit rather than sugar. They also note an ongoing TikTok trend where people are remaking well known candy products with healthier ingredients, like dates and peanut butter.
Vinegar Revival: Vinegar is moving into the limelight as the acid of choice—not just for pickling, but for drinks, marinades, and fermented functional products offering bright flavors and health benefits. Vinegar, or “sour wine” as it was once called, dates back thousands of years and was even used medicinally. Whole Foods highlights the ancient ingredient’s newfound popularity amid online health influencers, such as those swearing by the benefits of pickle brine. Some studies have found evidence that apple cider vinegar can help with blood sugar control and help boost weight loss.
Different Instant: Single-serve lattes, just-add-water bowls, and instant meals will undergo a prestige makeover, with cleaner labels and chef-inspired flavors meant to bring new excitement to the classic convenience category. This is another trend that took root on TikTok and “helping to reshape instant’s once boring reputation,” according to Whole Foods.
